Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

their hearts, and by faithful obedience redeem their past failure, and again
they were overcome by the temptations of Satan. The best efforts of the
meekest man upon the earth could not quell their insubordination. The
unselfish interest of Moses was rewarded with jealousy, suspicion, and
calumny. His humble shepherd's life was far more peaceful and happy than
his present position as pastor of that vast congregation of turbulent spirits.
Their unreasonable jealousies were more difficult to manage than the fierce
wolves of the wilderness. Moses dared not choose his own course and do as
best pleased himself. He had left his shepherd's crook at God's express
command, and in its place had been given him a rod of power. He dared not
lay down this scepter and resign his position, till God should dismiss him.
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were men who, by God's appointment, had
been intrusted with special honors. They had been of the number who went
up with Moses into the mount, and beheld the glory of God. They saw the
glorious light which covered the divine form of Jesus Christ. The bottom of
this cloud was in appearance "like the paved work of a sapphire stone, and as
it were the body of Heaven in its clearness." These men were in the presence
of the glory of the Lord, and did eat and drink without being destroyed by the
purity and unsurpassed glory that was reflected upon them. But a change had
come. A temptation, slight at first, had been harbored, and had strengthened
as it was encouraged, until the imagination was controlled by the power of
Satan. These men upon the most frivolous pretense ventured upon their work
of disaffection. They first whispered their doubts to each other, and then to
the leading men of Israel, professing to have great interest in the prosperity
of the people. Their words were received so readily by many minds that they
ventured still farther, and at last these deluded souls really thought that they
had a zeal for the Lord in this matter. A little leaven of distrust, and of
dissension, envy, and jealousy, was leavening the camp of Israel.
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram first commenced their cruel work upon the
men to whom God had intrusted sacred responsibilities. They were
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